Djembes produce a wide range of sounds and are ideal as a solo instrument or as part of a large percussion ensemble or drum circle. Pearl’s Rope Tuned Djembe series includes two size drums; 12” and 14”. The patented seamless synthetic shells are available in two dynamic hand-painted finishes, #684 Artisan Cypress and #685 Artisan Straight Grain Limba, with synthetic heads.A portion of the sale of each djembe will be shared with The Rhythmic Arts Project. TRAP’S primary objective is to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their typical peers in all aspects of everyday life.

Pearl's Folkloric line of congas feature a traditional look with modern innovation that only Pearl can deliver. Each 28” tall Oak drum is designed for the “seated” player, but includes stand mounts for players who prefer to stand. Thicker South American-style natural skin heads make the drums warm-sounding, but a fiberglass gel coating on the interior seals the shell and add the projection and volume desired by today’s players. Four Polished Steel Reinforcing Bands are inset on the shell for a smooth touch, and the traditional hoops complete these stunning Cuban instruments.

The shekere is a West African percussion instrument consisting of a dried gourd with a woven netting of beads covering the gourd. The instrument is commonly used in West African and Latin American music and can also be heard in many popular forms of music. Pearl offers both natural gourd and synthetic shekeres in a variety of sizes. The instrument is played by slapping the bottom of the gourd and by shaking and twisting the netting in rhythmic patterns. The adjustable netting can the tightened for a quick response or loosened for a sloppy feel.

The Awakening Series has been expanded to include a series of natural nut shakers that provide earthy tones that complement the series. Kenari, Bendo, and Pangi nuts range in size from small, medium, and large and each size possesses unique sound properties that are utilized in the shakers. Kenari nuts are the smallest and their hard triangular exterior becomes a miniature sound chamber when played. The Kenari Nut Windchime features 26 strands of Kenari nuts with 6 nuts per strand. The Kenari Nut Shaker is 7” long and features 22 strands of nuts with 6 nuts per strand and a 5” nylon wrapped Rattan handle. The new Kenari Nut Bracelet Shaker features 14 individually strung Kenari nuts that can be worn by musicians to layer sounds while playing instruments like guitar or cajon.

The body of Primero Cajons is constructed using MDF, Medium-density Fiberboard, or Shorea plywood creating a solid and durable sound chamber. Most models feature Meranti faceplates. Meranti is a wood known for its relative hardness and straight grain making it ideal for cajons. A built-in bass port magnifies the massive low-end tone of the Cajon while curly snare wires provide a bright, crisp snare response. Each of these Primero Cajons features a look as distinctive as the percussionist who plays them.

Tongue drums derive their name from the tongue shaped areas where you strike the instrument. The results are a cosmic blend of tones that are as much fun to hear as play. Pearl offers 6 Awakening Series Tongue Drums, three 8-note and three 9-note drums tuned to different pentatonic scales. A portion of the sales of Pearl's Awakening Series tongue drums are donated to The Rhythmic Arts Program. (TRAP) educates individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as well as typical young children, by embracing a unique methodology that encompasses rhythm as a modality to address basic life and learning skills as well as reading, writing, and arithmetic.